10/02/2023
Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. It is situated about 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The name Pigeon Island has come about after the hundreds of endemic Blue Rock Pigeons that inhabit the island.
It was designated as a sanctuary in 1963. In 2003, was re-designated as a national park.
Pigeon Island consists of two islands; The two islands of the Pigeon Island National Park are named the large pigeon island and the small pigeon island. The large pigeon island is about 200m long and 100m wide and is fringed by a coral reef, while the small pigeon island is surrounded by rocky islets and coral reefs.
This marine national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. Acropora, Montipora, Faviidae, Mussidae and Poritidae species dominates the coral reefs around the islands, with soft corals also being recorded. The reef is home to many aquatic species; both vertebrates and invertebrates, with many of the 100 species of corals and 300 species of reef fishes recorded in the vicinity being found within the park.
Other aquatic animals such as the blacktip reef shark, Hawksbill turtle, green turtle and olive ridley are known to visit the reef. It is considered an ecosystem high in biodiversity and a socioeconomically important reef habitat.
Blessed with crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life, a day trip here offers an amazing underwater experience. The park is an ideal spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, boat rides and sight-seeing.
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